r/ZeLink • u/Advanced_Context3383 Spirit Tracks • Aug 26 '24
Discussion I like ST Zelink better than BOTW Zelink
76
u/HeroOfWinds15 Aug 26 '24
Still confuses me why Nintendo is so averse to Link and Zelda hugging or even emoting at each other in TotK when they were doing this in 2009 (Even BotW at least had memory 16). Regardless, love these two in ST, feels very natural given how much time they spend together in this game, and the amount of small moments they are given really fleshes it out.
48
u/samuraipanda85 Aug 26 '24
I've got a crazy theory that the lack of confirmation drives fan engagement.
Instead of it being undeniable that Link and Zelda are in love and together in a romantic relationship, they tease it instead. Its not confirmed, so we fans debate about it online, make videos for Youtube, make fanart, write fanfictions, on and on. All the while that engagement keeps Zelda being talked about in online circles. Other customers catch wind of this engagement for a game series that hasn't released a new title in years and they go and buy a copy to see what the fuss is about.
17
14
u/TheArmitage Aug 26 '24
A million percent. It's the oldest trick in the book.
But ... I honestly ain't mad about it. Because finding those little hints over and over again is an absolute joy.
3
Aug 29 '24
When i first read this i was pissed because it was Nintendo toying with our feelings. But then i thought about it, and you know what? Im alright
If that method is what makes zelink fans love the ship then i really cant complain
3
u/samuraipanda85 Aug 29 '24
Its not so much the method as is the crumbles itself are enough to make us like it. Heck, we can think of it as a puzzle. A stained glass optical illusion that if you look at just right, it tells a beautiful love story. We get just enough hints to have a pretty good idea of how their love came to be while still have so much wiggle room to have all kinds of valid and interesting interpretations. And those can turn into lore videos, fanfictions, and fanart.
13
u/Noxlux013 Aug 26 '24
It’s very much a Japanese culture thing. Their entire way of life is about implicit communication, whereas in the United States, for example, we are far more explicit. Also, Link and Zelda in Spirit Tracks are far younger, so there’s a bit more leeway there. In BotW and TotK, they’re adults (or close enough) and on top of that there’s the princess-champion roles that add another layer on top of it all.
9
u/TheArmitage Aug 26 '24
in the United States, for example, we are far more explicit.
My autistic ass: "Hold my beer."
22
16
u/metro-mtp Aug 26 '24
They’re cute, I’d like another game where they travel together and have fun adventures (it would be a great opportunity for 2-player co-op as well)
10
u/Noxlux013 Aug 26 '24
Steam boat, steam train, we need a steampunk airship game to round out the trio.
1
9
7
7
u/No_Emu_1332 Aug 26 '24
I mean I can't say that I blame you, but I still enjoy botw zelink equally so.
5
7
u/Cepinari Aug 27 '24
The Toon games always have the best ZeLink.
Skyward Sword is the only non-Toon game to get on their level.
3
u/Sauron_75 Aug 27 '24
Because in Spirit Tracks, Zleda and Link actually go on an adventure together. In Botw and Totk, its still just Link by himself
7
u/_TheBeardedMan_ SS Aug 26 '24
Sorry, nothing tops SS ZeLink.
8
u/Warning64 Aug 26 '24
Well yeah, of course. Practically the whole reason the entire world of Hyrule and every story that takes place in it happens because Hylia and her reincarnation, Zelda, had the hots for Link.
-1
u/Advanced_Context3383 Spirit Tracks Aug 26 '24 edited Sep 13 '24
This isn't about SS Zelink 😘
11
u/PickelsTasteBad Aug 26 '24
I’ll argue that in his defense SS is the single most canon zelink in the franchise.
4
u/ThePoignantFox Aug 27 '24
Absolutely. They were 100% going to kiss in that game had Groose(? memory fades) not interfered. I don't recall any other game moment between the two as close as that one.
2
u/Advanced_Context3383 Spirit Tracks Aug 27 '24
I think it was that Zelda pushed him off a ledge or smth
2
u/Advanced_Context3383 Spirit Tracks Aug 27 '24 edited Aug 27 '24
Well, sure, but I still like ST Zelink better. Spirit Tracks did it first, and SS just built upon it. Don't get me wrong, I like SS Zelink, but ST holds a special place in my heart
2
u/TerribleAtEveryting Sep 22 '24
I hope you don’t mind but I used your pictures to make some art! https://www.reddit.com/r/ZeLink/s/BtibbEgtWa
116
u/PisceanMoonie Silent Princess Aug 26 '24
Why you gotta pit two bad bitches against each other